Sunday, September 8, 2013

Consolation Surprise

So random Twitter people were selected for the Killer Cruise giveaway, and as far as I can tell none of the winners were my blog regulars.

Which makes me sad! I think the regulars here are the nicest group of the internet. You're always so supportive of each other (and me, too!) and I was hoping at least one of you would be picked. So this morning when I was pouting about it to Mark he pointed out that I have a few of my own early copies of Killer Cruise that I could donate, and before you know it, we had a plan and got to work.

We printed the comments that were left at the blog over the last 6 weeks. We cut them into strips by name (making them approximately equal in size regardless of the length of the comment). The more active someone had been at the blog, the bigger their chance was of winning a book, but even if a person had left only a single comment over that span of time, they still had a chance to win.

Then we stuck all the strips in a hat (well, a grocery bag) and picked three names.

As luck would have it, the odds bore out in favor of multi-commenters.

So!

Will the following people please start jumping up and down:

"Optimistic4Ever" (I guess it pays to be optimistic!)

"Gabrielle" (Mark actually pulled your name out twice. Lots of comments from you!)

"Yusa" (I'm glad Mark picked your name--happy birthday!)

If any of the three of you happen to have also won at Twitter, please let me know so I can give the book to our first runner-up (who I won't torture by mentioning by name).

If not, please e-mail me your mailing address so I can ship you a book!

For the rest of you... I'm sorry again! Doing the best I can...

FYI, sometime during the week I'm putting up the new Twitter campaign (Free Book Fridays). The giveaway will run every Friday through the end of the year, but I'm making only one post about it so this Twitter stuff doesn't interfere so much with our regular programming (whatever that is, right?)

Anyway, know I appreciate all of you so much. See you next Sunday (and in the comments, of course!).

121 comments:

OMG OMG OMG OMG I WAS KINDA SAD I DIDNT WIN THE TWITTER ONE BUT THEN I SEE MY NAME HERE I AM SO HAPPY WITH JOY THE BEST BIRTHDAY PRESENT RIGHT NEXT TO THE SKATEBOARD THAT I WILL BE GETTING PROBABLY THE SAME DAY AS THE BOOK BEST. BIRTHDAY. EVER.THANK YOU FOR DOING THIS FOR US.CONGRATULATIONS TO EVERYONE ON TWITTER AND ON HERE WHO WON and i wish everyone could've won!

Making sure your loyal bloggers are not left out and disappointed by giving away your own copies of Killer Cruise to them is one of a hundred reasons why you are loved and respected by so many! You aren't just an amazing author...you are an incredibly caring, compassionate human being.

And congratulations to you to, Yusa. And have fun with your skateboard!Caradith, you are so right! And yes, I can't wait till Optimistic4ever sees this blog post! The only way to make this even better is if I didn't have to go to school tomorrow! (kidding)And congrats for the people on Twitter who one! Have a fantastic week everyone!!

I am so happy that you guys won! I too was disappointed that no one from here won on twitter, but I am so glad that you guys have now! You three are alway commenting and so nice and I am just so happy for you guys!

Have fun on the skateboard. I agree with Wendelin, go slow first because it might feel like you have the hang of it and then you realize you don't. (I learned that the hard way).

Aww, I checked Twitter first and was a little bummed that no one from here won, then I checked the blog and saw the post, and as I read all the comments, my smile got bigger and bigger until it was the size of a Billy Pratt grin.

Congrats to Yusa, Gabrielle, and O4E (and the Twitter winners, in case they're lurkers here). I won a copy of Justice Jack, so I'm not too bummed -- it's nice to see others win something, too.

I was talking to an avid (8th grade) reader before youth group today, and since she's reading Sherlock Holmes, I was like, "If you like mysteries..." and then when I wrote down the name of the series and started writing the author's name, she was all, "Oh! Is it by Wendelin Van Draanen? I have to read them then!" Turns out she'd read Shredderman in elementary, and had read the Running Dream, too.

Can I just say, you guys are so cute. :)Also, I'm stoked to read the book this week too! I have pre-ordered it from amazon, so it will arrive on The Big Day. Yay! My husband kind of just chuckled when I told him that book #17 was coming out. I think he was wondering if something can be exciting 17 times. The answer is YES! Sammy Keyes books! Christmas! Birthdays! They're always exciting.

Caradith is so right! Congrats to all that have won!! Wow 4 years that you have been following that is some loyalty right there! =) and good luck to the rest for the free book Fridays I might just have to make a twitter account just for that!And also news on my p.e teacher and The Running Dream; I told her about it a few days ago and boy she got REALLY exited when I told her the basics about the book, and as I walked away she muttered Van Draanen...running dream... So I hope she remembers the next time she is at the library!!=)

Yay!! Congrats Optimistic4ever!! I was thinking about saying something on your blog, but I wasn't sure if you'd get it, and it said you hadn't been on in a while. But I'm glad Yusa said something to you! And 4 years is a very long time! Optimism is always a good quality to have!

I think everyone should join in commenting because we are a family and everyone here is so nice and fun to talk to and i love how Wendelin (not sure how to address you your Holy Literary Highness) always joins in so dont be shy!

Shaina: A new book from a favorite author? YES ALWAYS EXCITING. Now, if the series were formulaic, so this was like watching Hotel Thief come out for the seventeenth time, that would be a different story. But it’s not. So thine husband is a sillypants. In the most loving way possible, of course.

Also, Wendelin, thank you for writing Killer Cruise and Kiss Goodbye! I remember you saying, right after you started writing Killer Cruise, that you considered just ending with Sin City. I’m really glad you didn’t, not so much because I will happily read any Sammy you choose to write, but because Sin City left me with so many questions!

From Hotel Thief to Justice Jack, there were some major constants: Sammy didn’t know anything about her dad; she was living illegally in the Senior Highrise with Grams; Heather wanted to do her in, for some inexplicable reason; Marissa was her best friend. And then Sin City came along and yanked the rug out from under us (in a really good way), and all I could think was, So what’s going to be the new normal?

(Okay, and Whew, I only have to wait nine months for Killer Cruise, and Wait, I don’t even remember how Heather and Sammy met, I’m going to have to go reread some things.)

Okay, so I just looked over at Wendelin (who is deep in re-writes for ‘Kiss Goodbye’ as we speak) and said, “Hey, Your Holy Literary Highness, I hate to bother you, but…” And we both ended up cracking up.

Dear Yusa, Gabrielle, and Optimistic4ever: >>>CONGRETULATIONS<<< YOU GUYS SOOOOOOOOOOO TOTALLLLLLLY DESERRRRRRRRVED ITTTTTTTTTTTTTTT!!!!And again, Happy Birthday Yusehrah!!!! Please tell me I got your name right, I have a feeling not. Heavens, after seven years of knowing you, I still suck at getting your name right. Gabrielle: You are SUCH an AWESOME fan on this blog!!!!! Not missing a beat! Me on the other hand: I have to admit- My teachers are pushing the limit. Cuz basically everyday this is me: Gotta check the blog, let's check if I'm done with homework...check...check...WHAT?!?!? I FORGOT MATH?!?!? NOOOOOOOOO!So yeah, as you can see, life isn't giving me and freedom at the moment, if there were a manager for Life, I'd be like, "Hello? Emergency right here, sign me up to meet Life, please? ike...now...please?"Optimistic4ever: I haven't been on here long, but I know for sure that you have!!!!!! And you totally deserve it!!!!!!! Way to go being optimistic, my friend!And congrats all the twitter winners, who probably won't see this; ENJOY THE BOOK< I HAVE A FEELING ALL WINNERS DESERVED IT!!!!And to those who didn't win: Cheer up, the book IS coming out anyways, now isn't it!?!?! Look at the bright side of it!CAN'T WAIT TILL THE BOOK COMES OUT!!!!Oh, and Mark- I'm WAITING FOR YOUR BOOK, TOO, YOU KNOW! :P :D :)

Isn't it funny how we can go from one comment to 42 in 3 days!! =) It took about a week for sin city to get to our library I can't wait to read the final version!!! I hope too much wasn't cut out! And a warning for the rest who will read this book today: have a box of tissues ready(got me GOOD) and your quote book if you have one!!=)

When Wendelin and Mark go on their book tour next year, we can all greet her as "Your Holy Literary Highness" and she'll know we're from the blog. I can see her on a red velvet-cushioned chair with a crown (decorated with skateboards and high tops, of course) and a giant quill scepter, autographing books.

This throne idea has me picturing Wendelin with her feet up on the arm of a throne made out of books with high tops on and a staff with horseshoe charms on it and then of course a crown. And a skateboard like leaning on the side of the throne.

So, since the book was released today, September 10, that means that the e-book was available at midnight last night. I barely made it through all of my homework for classes today, but Killer Cruise was amazing!! Now I just need to re-read it 50 more times.

Yusa hear is a tip: keep your feet on the bolts always! At first I was like pfshhh whaaaat?! I don't need to do that! Then I realized that I did and it made the whole thing easier! So I'm sure your smart and already figured that out!!=)

Yes, I could see that to, Isabel and good luck with skateboarding, Yusa!! You're probably are doing better than I would; I'm a completely clumsy, I'll just like trip over nothing. I can't imagine myself on a skateboard,since you have to have balance. :P

I had mac ’n’ cheese ’n’ salsa for dinner tonight and I must have finally got the salsa distribution right because instead of being Well this is good but I think my mac ’n’ cheese recipe is better plain it was Wow this is really good!

Karen: Yup haha we talk about the randomest things on here... i remember once the discussion went towards thrift shops and chickens and i dont know what :PHmmm i need to try Macaroni and Salsa properly...Still anxiously awaiting to read it :)

I forgot to ask at the library yesterday whether they could tell if KC had at least been ordered yet. I have something to pick up tomorrow, so maybe I'll remember to ask then.

Yusa, the only times I've been on a skateboard were when I sneaked a ride on my brothers' (who always fussed at me when they caught me), but I've been able to find good instructional videos for various things online. (I try to watch only videos by experts who are also well-respected teachers, because copying an idiot could be dangerous. For example, I've learned a few vaults and rolls from Jesse La Flair's parkour tutorials.)

I ordered KC on amazon the day before it came out, and usually amazon is so fast, but the book still hasn't even been shipped yet! :( i'm dying to read it! congrats to all the winners btw! :) i'm more of a lurker but this is encouraging me to comment more. lol

"Copying an idiot could be dangerous" that's really funny jessica!! Like wendelin, I'm still laughing too! Yusa: I stop by just putting down my foot and brushing it on the pavment, but some people put the back up and let that drag but I think you could fall easier that way.And if none of the libraries have ordered yet, then tell them to stop Skippy-Doodlin' around!

Yeah guys i felt like we were slacking and i started commenting less but now WE ARE BACK :)Haha. But i miss Steph's comments.I haven't checked the mail yet but i am praying... And before i ordered it from the library so it says in Transit... let's see which comes first.

Everyone who has read it already.. you lucky ducks. You must have a hidden horseshoe or something. LET ME BORROW IT :)

Yusa, your library already has it? That's awesome! I requested Sin City from mine; I figure it won't hurt to reread it while I'm waiting (it's not even in transit yet, so it'll probably take a week -- and then I'll read it in a few hours and be all anxious again). I'm resisting the urge to see if Amazon has a sneak peek, because reading just a little bit would make the waiting worse.

I just got to page 35 of Killer Cruise, and can I just say, thank you for the Nero Wolfe reference? Those are the adult mystery books I grew up with, and no one else ever knows what I'm talking about when I reference them.

I''m about halfway through and I love how excited i get when i recongnize something we talked about together on here or some of our idea incorporated in it... like 'OMG THAT QUOTE ON THE SHOW WAS MY IDEA" and ten i recognize other ones from here. :)

You guys are killing me! I just went to my library's site to re-suggest the book, and as I was double-checking the publishing info on Amazon, I noticed that it and all the "also bought" (Sammy Keyes) books had perfect 5-star ratings.

Sure, it's a consolation post, but it's also book release week! And Yusa's birthday week. And... and... what the heck else have we been talking about?

I finished it! Let me just say first of all I LOVED IT. And i fell in love with her Dad and his friend in this book. There were so many small details that just made it more perfect! Can't wait until everyone gets to read it i want to discuss it's greatness!

Jessica! You should really walk up to those library people and tell them to stop skippy doodlin around! And yusa yes I totally want to 'discus' this book, I have for a really long time, you know just state favorite quotes and parts and stuff without all these spoilers... I think we will get a 100 comments by tomorrow!!=)

It just hit me... I have one Sammy Keyes book left to read. Oh. My. God. Wasnt it yesterday i was reading Hotel Thief for the first time? In like 3rd grade? I can't believe it.. i have been through so much with Sammy. And now one last adventure before it's goodbye... :''(

Yusa! You really are a troublemaker! Now I want to try to crack that code, and I haven't even seen the book yet! I'm taking a free online class on Cryptography just because it's interesting. I'm going to ignore it for now, in case there are spoilers -- I'll try to remember to come back and decode it after I read the book.

I've been wanting to ask Wendelin what she has planned for after Kiss Goodbye, but I don't want to inadvertently put any pressure on her -- I can't even imagine how much more emotional this ending is for her compared to all of us. I know she'll write something I enjoy reading, eventually. And there's the road trip to look forward to.

Bella, if I have time, I might walk over to the main library tomorrow and ask if they've ordered it. They only order like once a month, and they got their September shipment before the book came out. So it might be October. :( But that's nearly halfway here already! (And yes, I'm the reason Wendelin cut the comments down to equal sizes to be fair. No one's ever accused me of being terse.)

I know, Yusa!! It's so sad that the series is ending!!! And, Jessica you're right, it's probably ten times more emotional for Wendelin. And you have to wait until October maybe!! I hope you can get it befor that, Jessica. And I've always liked your comment's, Jessica.

Jessica: Don't worry no spoilers but if i were you i would wait and read the book first anyways :) I hope your library gets it soon! And yes i am really hoping to get to meet her on her tour!It's cool youre taking that class.And whoever comments next happy #100 :D --Yusa

Oh, I don't know if I want to hear the songs. Unless Wendelin writes them. I actually have never been able to "hear" the guitar riff in "Waiting for Rain to Fall" based on Casey's description, so maybe it'd be alright.

But I like my versions of the Hunger Games songs better even than Suzanne Collins's versions, so it's hard for me to listen to anyone else's versions (which stinks, because I'm not a good singer at all -- but I can't write music, so I can't hear anyone sing my version, except the voice in my head that sings much better than what comes out of my mouth).

But anyway, the TV show could be great -- and it'd get so many more kids reading Sammy Keyes! And then I can seem cool when the youth group kids see me reading one, instead of like a strange adult who reads middle school mystery books.

Yeah i know what you mean... it's not just what you imagine but i still think it would be cool.And when Sammy Keyes gets extremely world famous we'll be like "We were here since the beginning":) i remember Steph wrote a version of Waitin' For The Rain and i did once also...

Yeah, it would be hard making up a song that really wasn't actually made. And that's cool that you guys made up your own versions of Waiting For The Rain To Fall. I'm not creative enough to think of song lyrics.

Yusa I agree! Hehe I LOVE that code, I as a person who loves and memorized a lot of codes, love this one easpicially! I have never heard of it before the book but I think it's so clever and creative and wonderful and no one will suspect it at all!! And Jessica your comments aren't that long, I enjoy reading them cause your really funny! Well you all are in a different way, but boy that quote Where has Kylie gone..?!

And I just read your story about your bangs. I have naturally curly hair, and in 8th grade, the hairdresser pulled my bangs straight and went to cut them above my eyebrows. My mom tried to stop her, telling her they'd be too short, but she was all "I know what I'm doing." Of course they curled up into dumb 1" long curlicues. Ugh. I cried. But no one made fun of me, and they eventually grew out. (And then I started trimming them myself.) I hope you don't have too many pictures of your hair mishap.

Jessica: i am sorry about your hair mishap... But mine wasn't too bad... I wore a hairband to push my bangs away for a while. And anyways i wear a scarf so not a lot of people see my hair :) And i don't think i let a camera near me haha

Heh, that was a long ago. But I remember that I cried, even though it seems a bit silly now, because I think it's important to remember how you felt at certain ages. Some things were way bigger in middle school than they seem now. Like being different.

I'm in my early 30's. I don't like to dismiss teenagers as being "moody" or "hormonal" -- their feelings are very real and important to them, and we all go/went through it. Just like temper tantrums happen with toddlers, or people in their twenties and forties (and probably thirties, too) go through existential crises, and older adults often get forgetful and sometimes irritable or outright cantankerous. It's part of how our brains develop, and it's all hard to control. We've all got to do our best but cut each other some slack.

But yeah, it'd be so much easier if we could just learn from others' experiences, but we usually have to go through it ourselves.

Plus, sure, teens can be a bit moody at times -- but it goes both ways! They can find things hilariously funny, and laughter is contagious. And they can get so excited about things, which is also contagious. It's not all bad.

Holy smokes. That's a lot of comments! (And they're all so entertaining...) (And I love that you guys love codes. I was afraid people might not have the patience for it, or find it boring. Not everyone likes puzzles as much as I do, I know!)(But you guys seem to!) (Another reason this is the coolest group around!)